Rainman / O.S.T. (CD)

Most of the songs on this soundtrack album are nostalgic pop numbers, either from or in the style of the '50s and '60s (the film takes place in the '80s, but director Barry Levinson used the songs to create a nostalgic mood). The exceptions are the most interesting songs: the Belle Stars perform a lively "Iko Iko," which is an energetic bit of '80s pop. Hans Zimmer's Oscar-nominated score is performed on the instrument du jour of the 1980s, the electronic keyboard. A dangerous move, considering the synthesizer's lack of cinematic sweep, and its high potential for cheesiness. But this is a great score. The lonely, atmospheric "End Title" track is evocative of the sort of wistful sadness that pervades the film. And "Las Vegas" is even better -- it provides a major adrenaline rush, as driving drum machines mix with wildly emotive wordless vocals. It's a very original approach to scoring a cinematic moment. ~ Darryl Cater, All Music Guide